Unis need more religion: Monash sociologist

Monash sociologist Professor Gary Bouma has said universities must go
beyond secularism and incorporate a better understanding of religion
into their programs.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that he told a Muslim student conference that this is because religion now plays a more important role in public life.

He said secularism is not a neutral stance, but is itself an ideology opposed to religions.

Professor
Bouma holds a UNESCO chair in inter-religious relations. He was guest
speaker at a University of Western Sydney conference titled "Muslim
students - access, inclusion and success".

He said it's not
enough for universities to offer halal food and discrete religious
studies courses. Instead all curricula need to be re-written to
recognise the increased role of religion in Australian life.